Invalid lifter



R. D.` MADDOX Nov. 30, 1937.

INVALID LIFTER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. l5, 1955 gin/uc what I me/"21D //aadox Nov. 30, 1937. R. D. MADDox 2,100,663

. INVALID LIFTER Filed Aug. 15, 1935 2 ShetS-Shee'l 2 Inma/nto@ Patented Nov. 30, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT FFECE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to an invalid lifter.

An object of the invention is to provide a device by which an attending nurse, Without assistance, may raise a bed ridden person in a comfortable and convenient manner.

Another object of the invention isV to provide a device which may be stored in a convenient place and may readily be assembled in operative position when needed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which will readily engage a lifting sling which constantly remains under the invalid.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational View of the invalid lifter, in operative position, the bed being shown in fragmental and transverse cross-section.

Fig. 2 is a view taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a View taken on line @-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the canvas sling showing a method of fastening the D-ring thereto.

Fig. 6 is a view taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 1.

The embodiment of my invention consists of a pair of leg members, 8 and 9, comprising two identical sections, Iii and lI (Fig. 6), which are drawn together by bolts I2 to clamp about the horizontal tubing I3. Two vertical standards I4 and l5 are seated upon the leg members 8 and 9 respectively. The horizontal tubing member I3 extends along the transverse dimension of the bed i6, and is positioned between the legs thereof; a pair of the bed legs I9 being shown. The bed IS as shown in Fig. 1, comprises a mattress Ii and springs i8.

A sleeve bearing 20 has a circular lug 2| which is received in the upper end of a longitudinal annular recess 22 in the vertical standard Il. A gear housing 23 also carries a circular lug 24 which is receivable in the upper end of a longitudinal, annular recess 25 in the Standard I5. A horizontal rotatable bar 2S is journaled in the sleeve bearing 26 and has a reduced end 21 which is rotatably held in the gear housing 23. A helical gear 28 (Fig. 3) is secured to the reduced end 2l of the bar 26 by a key 29. A crank 30 has an annular recess 3i which is secured to a shaft 32 by means ci a pin 33. The shaft is connected to a worm gear 34 which irreversibly engages the helical gear 28.

Two canvas straps 35 and 36 are fastened to the horizontal bar 2S by any suitable means such as a binding strip 3l positioned on the bar and exerting a clamping force upon the end of the strap. llhe depending ends of the canvas straps are formed into loops 38 which hold the horizontal rod 3S, bolts 4i? being employed to prevent the strap from moving along the rod.

A canvas lifting sling @I has a D-ring 42, or 5 other suitable rod engagement means, fastened at each end. One means of securing the D-ring to the canvas sling is shown in Fig. 5. The end oi the canvas sling is brought through the D-ring .and doubled back and secured by heavy threadin ing 63. By reference to Fig. l it will be seen that the canvas straps are fastened to the horizontal rod intermediate its ends so that the ends of the rod extend outwardly from the strap engagement and are then provided with enlarged 15 portions or caps 4t. 'Ihe D-rings pass around these enlarged ends on the rod and abut the loops 3S of the canvas straps. The D-rings are held in spaced relationship because their horizontal movement is limited by the loops 38 which are 20 fastened to the rod 39.

When not in use as a lifting means, the sling 4I detached from the rod 39, is left lying on the bed beneath the lumbar region of the patient. When it is desired to lift the patient, the rod 39 25 is lowered toa position such that the rings l2V may be put over the end of the rod 39. Then the nurse by turning the crank Si) may lift 01' raise the patient to the desired position above the bed. In so doing the straps 35 and 36 hold 30 the sling 4I in an extended position, so that it v does not bind the patients sidesand make him uncomfortable.

What is claimed is:

1. An invalid lifter comprising a pair of leg members, a horizontal tubing connecting the leg members, a pair of standards positioned on the leg members, a sleeve bearing removably seated upon one standard, a gear housing removably 0 seated upon the other standard, a horizontal rotatable bar receivable in the sleeve housing and rotatably held in the gear housing, a helical gear positioned on the bar within the gear housing,

a crank, a worm gear controlled by the crank 45 and irreversibly engaging the helical gear, two canvas straps fastened intermediate the ends of, and adapted to be wound on the rotatable bar, a horizontal rod fastened intermediate its ends to the depending ends of the canvas straps, a can- 50 vas lifting sling adapted to normally remain under the invalid, and D-rings fastened to the ends of the canvas sling and removably held by the rod outside the canvas straps whereby the sling is neld in extended position when it is raised. 55

2. An invalid lifter comprising a supporting structure having two vertical standards, a sleeve bearing and a gear housing each removably seated upon one of the standards, a horizontal rotatable bar receivable in the sleeve bearing and rot 'tably held in the gear housing, a helical gear positioned on the bar within the gear housing, a cr k, a worm gear controlled by the crank and irreversibly engaging the helical gear, two canvas l0 straps fastened intermediate the ends -of and adapted to be wound on the rotatable bar, a horizontal rod fastened intermediate its ends to the depending ends of the canvas straps, a canvas lifting sling adapted tonormally remain under the invalid, and D-rings fastened to the ends of the canvas sling and removably held by the rod outside the canvas straps whereby the sling is held in extended position when it is raised.

ROBERT D.. MADDOX. 10 

